U.S. Forum: Islam stands against violence

A group of American Muslims launched a program to educate people on Islam and disassociate the noble religion from violence.Leaders of the Muslim Community Association in the South Bay say organized a forum to make sure that people know that Islam is not about violence.

Leaders of the Muslim Community Association in the South Bay say organized a forum to make sure that people know that Islam is not about violence. Read more at:
http://islamonline.com/cgi-bin/news_service/world_full_story.asp?service_id=2048

Avian Flu in Egypt

By: Aishah Schwartz and Jennifer Fayed

Avian flu, also known as "bird flu", first hit headlines back in 2003 when the first reported case was discovered in Asia. The virus has since crossed into Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Reports that the H5N1 strain of Avian flu has now hit Egypt adds to the alarming reality of how quickly this virus is traveling around the globe.

The Egyptian government has reported that there are no confirmed cases of Avian flu in humans.

Birds that tested positive were found in Giza backyard gardens and rooftop chicken coops. Other cities with birds testing positive include Minya and Qena.

The protein value found in chickens and turkeys is an important part of the average Egyptian diet.

The Egyptian government and Health Ministry are on high alert and taking measures to control the virus's spread.

The H5N1 strain has taken the lives of 92 people since 2003. Most of these deaths were from direct contact with infected birds. Reports of human-to-human infection have not yet surfaced.

Scientists fear that if the virus mutates, making it transmittable from human to human, the world may be facing a pandemic that no government is prepared to battle.



More Information about Bird Flu
• Bird flu: What you need to

© 2006 Jennifer Fayed Authorization is given by author to share and use for purposes of dawah (invitation to Islam)for non profit publications. If use is for other than non for profit purposes please contact author for other rights which are reserved.

A Solution for the Danish Cartoon Publications

By: Jennifer Fayed

The insulting cartoons featured in a Danish newspaper demonstrating several images of Islam’s prophet Mohammed that were released in September of 2005 caused lots of controversy. Later, the publications in Norway and New Zealand newspapers have also caused major uproars not only in the Middle East but around the globe. There have been violent protests in the Middle East of burnings of a Danish consulate in Beirut, Lebanon also embassies of Norway and Denmark were burned in Damascus, Syria. These images have caused more chaotic protests in Southeast Asia yesterday (02/06/06). Those images are such an insult to the Prophet Mohammed (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Those cartoons of the Prophet are so offensive not to Muslims but also insulting to Islam.

As Muslims we must take this time and reflect and instead of taking action violently we have to speak out and protest in a constructive peaceful way. The method that our fellow brothers and sisters in Islam are reacting around the globe isn’t what Islam teaches us. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) solved conflicts in a practical and beneficial way. Burning the buildings of countries that insult our religion is not the way to solve dilemmas. The Prophet who showed us to value and protect Islam didn’t burn or hurt the people who treated him the worst. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) taught us to control our anger.

Abu Huraira narrated: The prophet of Allah said, “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." (Volume8, Book 73, Number 135)

When we are faced with such calamities we have to be wiser than the kufar (non-Muslims). Yes, what the Europeans did by portraying our Prophet in such dishonor is unacceptable, I agree; however, it is crucial that we learn that there is an appropriate approach for us to express our anger; we’re not doing anything by taking part in protests that will only escalate anger and hatred for Islam. This is the path of shaytan.

It was narrated Sulaiman bin Sarad: Two men abused each other in front of the Prophet while we were sitting with him. One of the two abused his companion furiously and his face became red. The Prophet said, "I know a word (sentence) the saying of which will cause him to relax if this man says it. Only if he said, "I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the outcast.' “So they said to that (furious) man, 'Don't you hear what the Prophet is saying?" He said, "I am not mad." (Volume 8, Book 73, Number 74)

Yahya related to me from Malik that Yahya ibn Said said that he heard Said ibn al-Musayyab say, "Shall I tell you what is better than much prayer and sadaqa?" They said, "Yes." He said, "Mending discord. And beware of hatred - it strips you (of your deen)." (Book 47, Number 47:1.7)

This second hadith states that fixing relations is better than to remain enemies and to be vigilant of hate because it will lead us astray from religion. This shows that we are going about this in the wrong way. Using violent outbursts to try to solve a problem isn’t going to get us far. The reporters who drew and had any part of those dreadful cartoons are nothing more than ignorant individuals. Allah (swt) has made it clear in his book that at times it is better to be gentler than harsh with the disbelievers.

Allah (SWT) says: “And by the mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their fault), and ask (Allah’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). (3:159)

We should have protests that are calm and organized. If for any reason this is unachievable this would be a great opportunity for an interfaith dialogue on an international level if possible. Instead of viewing this typical behavior of the non-Muslims as an outrage and something that is intolerable. We should shed light on the larger picture of what these hurtful anti-Islamic publications might have intended. This might be a trial from Allah (SWT) to see how wise we are with our actions when in anger. This is a perfect opportunity for us to teach non-Muslims about Islam and how we honor and respect all the prophets and inshallah this negative situation may have a positive result for Muslims worldwide and more knowledge about Islam for non-Muslims. Let’s not let these reporters get the best of us. Let’s convey a solution for the slander of our Prophet (pbuh) and religion. Instead of arguing on the couch about how disgraceful this is to Islam, we have to take affirmative action and enlighten this problem with solutions of new laws being passed that protect the respect of all religions in the world.

Copyright © 2006 Jennifer Fayed Authorization is given by author to share and use for purposes of dawah (invitation to Islam)for non profit publications. If use is for other than non for profit purposes please contact author for other rights which are reserved.

"The Qur'an"
By: Jennifer Fayed

It was an amazement that I cannot explain the words so true definitely not manmade each ayah I read I knew in my heart that Allah (swt) so High had revealed every part, the Qur’an is a guide that should not be denied if you do not read you will be left behind.

It will help us achieve the life of the hereafter
For eternity in jannah will bring us laughter.
So when the month of Ramadan is near
Don’t forget to read this book which is so dear.
In it are vital lessons that will determine our succession
As Muslims in this life and the day we will be questioned.
So why not take it and read it without hesitation.
For in it is the key for our success as a nation.
Al-Qur’an it is called the words of my beloved Creator
Every ayah, and surah made only by Him no one is greater
No one but He, his name is Allah no partners has He, the One only true God.

"Confrontation"

By: Jennifer Fayed

My loving husband
How are you?
Do you see?
Do you see me?
I need you!
Not only as my supporter but
As my partner in this life.
Don’t you see I am your wife!
You are always claiming I crave attention
But all I aim is for your affection.
Do you love me as a person?
Or do you see me as your
Social obligation?

My loving wife
How are you?
Do you see me?
Or are you caught up with just you?
I work and provide the best I can and all I get are
Un-reaching demands.
I married you to be my spouse not a
Greedy, ravenous louse.
You think that this dunya is what matters
But let me tell you honey, it seems that all you
Crave is money on that silver platter.
So when you ask for my affection make sure
That you know your intention for all I see is
A woman who has become a social obligation.

"MOM"

By: Jennifer Fayed

It's late in the evening now and you can say that I have become some sort of a night owl lately. I have so many thoughts in my head tonight. The main thought in my mind lately is my mom. I was in New York visiting my family this past November. This has spiraled a flashback which I would like to share with the intention that good will come from this and inshallah I can get some sleep tonight. My mom and I are close but when I reverted to Islam she felt like she didn't know me anymore. There I was this scarf covered woman that she considered a stranger and not her daughter. Well at least not the daughter she knew before becoming Muslim. She would constantly make jokes and rude remarks about hijab and Muslims. At the time, I was so sensitive to her reactions and would usually breakdown in tears. Now that I have been Muslim for three years I'm able to put myself into her shoes in order to understand her perspective. This was so sudden for her and not only that but I then decided to get hitched to my wonderful husband four months after my reversion. This would be a blow to any parent who has this on their plate. It was so uncomfortable I felt like a stranger to her. We couldn't talk about anything without it breaking into a heated arguement. I really didn't have time to spend with my mother shortly after becoming Muslim she had many responsibilities to take care of overseas; and we were left with ties that were somehow severed. It was so ackward, she really didn't say anything after a while. There was this silent wall between us and no matter how much I explained Islam to her she just didn't understand. She soon left to Dominican Republic and the next meeting would be after the short arrival of my third baby. This would be such a short visit; I was only there for three days because I only went to pick up my two children from my previous marriage so they could spend the summer with us in North Carolina. While staying there my mom would criticize certain things in Islam, but not with the same intensity as before; although, I could obviously tell that she was still uneasy about the whole Muslim thing. I tried to speak to my mother about Islam over the telephone but she would usually loose her temper and I would eventually change the topic. Eighteen months went by after that last visit. It felt like years and I really educated myself about Islam so I would know how to approach her about general questions regarding the religion. I did this intensely for two weeks before my trip to New York.

This visit meant so much to me for I hadn't seen my mom for a year and a half (talk about a long time). When I saw her I felt like her little girl again. I had missed her so much and to think that I only had a month to cherish my time with her I was heartbroken just thinking about how quickly those four weeks would pass. The time I spent with her was truly a blessing from Allah (swt) she would ask questions about Islam and I would give her answers in a context that she would understand. It was great, she was accepting me in her heart and respecting my decisions as a woman. I would tell her about Isa (Jesus) alahi salaam and what our beliefs in Islam were about him. She found many common grounds and although there are major differences in Christianity and Islam she would feel cornered and passionately say "Well I worship God the way I think he should be worshipped I don't follow the church". I guess we all have to start somewhere right? She is an amazing woman. She has been very successful in her professional life and has been a wonderful mom. I wouldn't change her for another. She is a strong woman who knows what she wants and will openly speak her mind no matter the circumstance. That month flew so fast, I think I remember almost everyday I spent with her. I'm feeling homesick I guess. I miss her. She is more that one thousand miles away and all I have at the moment of her is the memories that I hold so close to my heart. I hugged my mom everyday I was with her in New York. I still remember her smell. She smells of cocoa butter and soft perfume (just like my abuelita). I'm glad I reflected this in writing tonight. It is now 3:51 a.m. and alhamdulilah I feel at peace to sleep now. This reflection was for you mom. Te quiero mucho mommy y te extrano bastante(I love you very much mommy and I miss you tremendously)!!!!!!